title: Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair.
abstract: Laparoscopic paraesophageal hernia repair is an operation that allows for relief of gastrointestinal and respiratory symptoms with a minimal recovery time and a high degree of satisfaction. It is a difficult and complex operation; however, if the important tenets are adhered to by surgeons with a lot of experience in laparoscopic PEH repair, the results are good. Patient selection is important. Older or frail patients who are asymptomatic should not have an operation, and some who are very symptomatic should probably consider just a reduction of their gastric volvulus and gastropexy. Still, most of the patients will be symptomatic and will be able to tolerate a laparoscopic definitive repair. The important aspects of repair include: complete resection of the hernia sac from the mediastinum, adequate esophageal mobilization, adequate closure of the hiatus, and fundoplication. The most troublesome aspect of the operation is the recurrence rate, which is up to 50% at 5 years of follow-up. Fortunately, most recurrences are asymptomatic and the vast majority of patients still have greatly improved quality of life.
authors.affiliation: Department of Surgery, University of Washington, Seattle, WA.
authors.forename: Ellen H
authors.initials: EH
authors.lastname: Morrow
authors.forename: Brant K
authors.initials: BK
authors.lastname: Oelschlager
mesh_terms: D018662:Fundoplication / Q000379:methods; D006551:Hernia, Hiatal / Q000150:complications / Q000601:surgery*; D059685:Herniorrhaphy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D006801:Humans; D010535:Laparoscopy / Q000295:instrumentation / Q000379:methods*; D009767:Obesity, Morbid / Q000150:complications; D056888:Patient Positioning; D018579:Patient Selection; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods; D013525:Surgical Instruments; D058106:Wound Closure Techniques